"What's that smell??"

It happens ALL the time....I unlock the front door, the prospective home buyers step inside for the first time, and then they ask the question I'm already asking myself ..."What's that smell?!" My answer to that question varies according to....well, what it smells like. Here's my "smelly" short list of answers:

1)"Oh, smells like they had  fish for dinner!"
2) "Oh, smells like they had broccoli (or cabbage, or cauliflower, or curry, or garlic bread....etc)!"
3) "Oh, smells like they forgot to take out the trash!"
4) "Oh, they must be smokers!"
5) "Oh, smells like they have a dog,(or gerbil, or a hamster, or pet mouse or a cat with a litter box)!"
6) "Oh, smells like mildew....maybe they've had a water issue"
7) "Oh, smells like they have one of those automatic air fresheners!
8) "Oh, smells like the place has been vacant for a while!"

Believe it or not, an unpleasant odor of any kind can dampen a buyer's interest in a house. Be sure to do a frequent smell check on your house while it's on the market. Ask friends if they notice odors that you may not be able to detect.

Here are a few things you can do to increase your home's chances of passing the smell test:

1) Give your home a deep cleaning.
Dust, clean the carpet,  blinds, drapes and upholstery.
Get a chimney sweep to clean the creosote from the fireplace and chimney.
Clean the sink and grind some lemon rinds in the garbage disposal.
Open the windows and air the place out for an hour if the weather is good.

2) Make sure all trash cans are empty and clean.
If there's a baby in the house, make sure to empty the diaper pail!

3) Avoid cooking foods with strong odors that linger.
No curry,cabbage,fried foods,broccoli, cauliflower or ethnic foods allowed!
NO BURNT POPCORN!

4) Leave pets outdoors or crate them in the garage before showings. 
Store dog beds, chew toys,  and food bowls on the patio or in the garage.

5) Avoid using strong smelling candles or air fresheners
Buyers will wonder what you are trying to cover up.


Never underestimate the importance of a clean smelling home.

THE NOSE KNOWS....

Don't let your house be a

STINKER!





By Betty Davidson, Broker, ABR, ASP